Packs for Pa Enua

Care parcels destined for people in need in the Pa Enua are on their way, thanks to the New Zealand High Commission.

Ministry of Internal Affairs staff and volunteers prepared the food packs, with canned food, milk and other staples, which were shipped on Wednesday.

From the very beginning the New Zealand High Commission has been working closely with the Cook Islands Government and across the community to provide practical and tangible support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They have also provided refrigerated storage for the hospital, purchased protective and medical equipment, and contributed to dengue fever elimination programme supplies, as well as supporting INTAFF’s Covid-19 public awareness programme.

Acting High Commissioner Rachel Bennett said they were pleased to be able to contribute to government initiatives to support the most vulnerable, both in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.

The New Zealand Government’s Emergency Response to Covid-19 was activated in January 2020, to prepare for its arrival.

Providing assistance to Pacific Island countries was integral to that, including activating health networks and sharing detailed planning and response measures, she said.

New Zealand High Commission First Secretary Okesene Moananu is the operational lead on coordinating New Zealand’s support to Cook Islands. “As a Realm country, Cook Islands is a priority for New Zealand,” he said.